The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-05-19
Western Lunatlc ASYLUM.

Of the Western Lunatic Asylum, one day
last week. AS we were conversing with
an old friend, DR.. Conrad came along. and
joining us, we passed through the grounds
of the institution, and thence through the
different wards of the buildings almost be-
fore we realized what we were doing. We
did not regret, however, after we had con-
Guided the chance visit, that it had taken
the scope it did. We have always felt a
deep interest is this benefcent charity
Years ago we were connected with it Of
licially, and although it has passed through
many vic;ssitudes in its management since
then, it still presents claims upon the
earnest sympathy and kindly consideration
of every citizen Of the State. AS we passed
from one point of observation to another,
it was a source Of the deepest gratilica-
ton to notice the many statutory improve
ments that have been effected. Indeed, we
think the institution has never been under
more efficient management than at pres
ent; that no Superintendent, since the es
tablishment Of the Asylum has had clearer
and more comprehensive understanding of
the purposes Of such charity than DR..
Conrad. He believes in the beneficial agen-
cies of light and air-in the statutory effects
of thorough ventilation, healthy exercise
and suggestive associations. With this view,
| notifications have been made in many OF
| he old arrangements. to assure the sun
| bath, the full play of the balmy breeZes OF
| this season of the year innocent exercises
on the green sward, under thu shade OF the
stately trees and in other modes where
stIcter restraints have to BIZ observed in
| certain of the patients. Through every
| department this idea is being carried out.
as far as available means will allow. 1t is
| to be regretted that the resources OF the
institution are too meagre for the WORK
that ought to be done. AS it is, the SAM
tary arrangements the notifications in
the interest of economy, comfort and con-
yenience. and to aid in the Improvement
of the mental conditions Of the unfortu-
mates committed to the institution, are
such as to greatly promote the beneficent
purposes of this great charity.
The capacity of the institution will COM
fortably accommodate about $50 patients.
To that number the present buildings
should be limited. But there are at this
time 634, of whom SIS are males and 316
females. In rooms where there should be
foar, there are sometimes six or eight -
comfortable it is true, but more crowded
than they should be, in the Judgment OF
the Superintendent There are applica-
tions on file for the admission Of 3l7-of
whom 154are males and 1853 females. There
are however no vacant rooms or beds, ac-
April. About two-thirds of the patients
now in the Asylum are incurable, and
about an average of one-third OF those
admitted are incurable. And as the death
rate does not equal The number of incura-
bles committed to the inst ituio each
year, it must necessarily follow that it will
not be many years before the present ca
pacity Of the buildings will be commanded
by those who are incurable. This lisa Sc
rious phase of the demands of the insane
Commonwealth provision is made at the
Asyums for l 800 patients, and this ought
to be and will be the policy of Virginia, as
soon as the condition of the treasury will
allow it. The policy of the management
is to give preference to State patients rath-
er than pay patients-as it is State char
ity, designed primarily to provide for those
| whose friends may not be able to provide
| for them.
To pass through the various wards and
| enclosures where these unfortunates are
confined. is to awaken the sympathy OF
every one touched with Q feeling OF hui
mainly. While neatness and care are OBJ
servable in every department, aud in all
| the IL; ppintmehts, the fact that one stands
| in the presence of shatterei reason and
the wreck and ruin of once bright intellec-
lions, impresses the necessity for this ben
efeent institution, and the largest LIBERAL
| ity on the part of the Commonwealth in
providing for the needs of those who. from
whatever cause. may be consigned to its
| walls for treatment. We trust the time will
soon come when no one with mind dis
easedo will ask in vain for admittance.-
| 1t is one of the most sacred duties that can
| be imposed upon people to care for its
afflicted and helpless-a duty that cannot
| be shirked or grudgingly discharged. All
that the means appropriated will allow is
| being done to carry out the humane pur-
| poses of the institution. The Superinten-
dent is keenly alive to his responsibilities
is familiar with the cause and condition
of every patients ailment-with every de-
partment and nook and corner of the vast
establishment, land is intelligently and wise.
/ " using the authority with which he has
been invested, for the alienation and i'm
proyement of those WHO have been. or may
be, entrusted to his charge. 1t affords us
pleasure to be thus able to testify, and give
the assurance to the friends OF those who
have been bereft Of reason that they are
under kind, intelligent and sagacious
treatment, both as to mind and body.
The following figures briefly aid intelli-
gently set forth the statistical condition OF
the asylum. They represent its actual
condition at this writing:
Patients we're first admitted into this asylum
| in August, 1877, oyer So years ago.
Admitted, 1927 to 1ss7...,,f;..,,.... ..... S,9lG
discharged, 1927 to 1887 ........,........... l9e
Remaining April l, 1887 .................,... W.
Male. Female. Total
No. in ylnm Oct. l. 1872 ~ az s 4 44s
! .. 1851 ZO6 ZT3 479